Building healthy churches

We value integrity - committed to being honest, transparent and above reproach.

Media Statement

27 February 2019

Baptist Churches Western Australia, including participating member churches, have joined the National Redress Scheme.

The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse and was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Redress is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts. The National Redress Scheme can provide three things:

access to counselling;

a payment; and

a direct personal response from the institution (e.g. an apology) for people who want it.

The scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years. Free and confidential Redress Support Services are available throughout the process. They can help explain the Scheme and who can apply.

For queries regarding the participation of Baptist Churches Western Australia in the National Redress Scheme, please contact Ps Jackie Smoker on 6313 6300, or email redress@baptistwa.asn.au.

For more information about the National Redress Scheme, visit www.nationalredress.gov.au or call the National Redress Scheme line on 1800 737 377.

19 November 2018

Further to our statement on 6th August, 2018, Baptist Churches Western Australia has resolved to opt into the National Redress Scheme established to support people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

Preparations are being made to join the Scheme once the West Australian State government has passed the necessary legislation. Discussions with the National Redress Scheme are ongoing, and BCWA are finalising arrangements with local Baptist Churches.

For queries regarding the participation of Baptist Churches Western Australia in the National Redress Scheme, please contact Pastor Jackie Smoker.

6 August 2018

Baptist Churches Western Australia intends to opt into the National Redress Scheme established to support people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

Preparations are being made to join the Scheme once the West Australian State government has passed the necessary legislation. Discussions have begun with the National Redress Scheme, and BCWA are making arrangements with local Baptist churches that will enable them to be a participating institution.

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill was passed by the Federal Government and came into effect on 1st July 2018. People who experienced institutional child sexual abuse can make an application to the Scheme for redress.